ENGLAND were denied the chance to make Ashes history – and complete one of the most unlikely victories in Test history – when the umpires took the sides off for bad light with just four overs remaining at The Oval.

Alastair Cook’s side started the day as 175-1 outsiders to win after rain had made Saturday a total wash-out.

They resumed on 247 for four in their first innings and were skittled for 377 to give the Aussies hope of a win.

The tourists then declared on just 111-6 to set England a target of 227 from the final 44 overs in a bid to give the fans some entertainment.

They set about chasing it with relish and looked set for victory after stirring knocks from Jonathan Trott (59) and Kevin Pietersen (62).

But with England needing just 21 from 24 balls with five wickets remaining, umpires Aleem Dar and Kumar Dharmasena produced their dreaded light meters.

They were only following procedure but the fans vented their fury after England were robbed of the chance to win an Ashes series 4-0 for the first time.

ECB chairman Giles Clarke was also raging and said: “It’s totally unsatisfactory the way the game ended.

“The rules are clearly unacceptable and I expect the ICC chief executive David Richardson to change them.”

Skipper Cook was more philosophical about things and said: “It would have been nice to finish with a win but the rules and regulations are there for a reason.

“The umpires have strict guidelines and if it was day three we would have gone off. I’m just privileged to captain this group. Winning this series is the proudest moment of my life.”

Aussie skipper Michael Clarke was booed for taking the offer of bad light – which was harsh as his decision to declare had made it a contest in the first place.

He said: “It was worth a crack. We did our best to set up the game and hopefully we have given the fans something to enjoy.”

England’s Ian Bell was named Man of the Series for racking up 562 runs and he said: “This is right up there with my other three Ashes series victories.

“Going into the series I was low on scores but getting hundreds helped the team win some Test matches. As the series went on I got better and better.”